Fredericks Restaurant Islington (officially just Frederick’s) has been open since 1969 and is highly regarded as an Islington institution. It’s a family-run restaurant which has evolved over the years and is still going strong today. Modern European cuisine is served from noon until midnight, and on Saturdays, you can order brunch from 10.30 am. It’s a brilliant place to book for special occasions and business lunches. I’ve been a couple of times recently, just before Christmas for a graduation celebration and this week for a friend’s birthday. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Islington or places to eat on Upper Street, do give Fredericks Restaurant Islington a try.
Interiors
Fredericks Restaurant Islington Menu
I’ll talk you through the A La Carte menu which has a lovely spring vibe. The menu changes with the seasons, so do take a look online before you book. All the ingredients are premium quality, and each dish is perfectly presented but not overly fussy. The starters are delightful. We tried the superfood quinoa with crispy broccoli, edamame beans and avocado, which was fresh and tasty. The Puglian burrata with figs and baby rocket salad was terrific, and the burrata was so creamy and fabulous with those figs, yummy!
Puglian Burrata with Fresh Figs Starter
The other dish consumed was the pan-fried duck foie gras with mango and passion fruit reduction, brioche croutons and violet potato. The foie gras melted in the mouth, so I was told by the person eating it. Fish options include crab cake with tzatziki and cucumber spaghetti, squid with chilli sauce and salmon tartare with avocado in a sesame soy dressing with wasabi. There were around ten starters. The portions are not very large, so it is more about the taste than filling up before the main dish.
Pan-Fried Duck Foie Gras Starter
The main dishes included a veggie option which I selected. This was herbed pappardelle (large flat pasta) with sautéed courgette and puree, with ricotta and spinach stuffed courgette flower on top. With only one vegetarian main I thought this was a great dish, something a bit different. I always enjoy a stuffed courgette flower, and this one had a lovely light tempura batter.
Pappardelle with Courgette Main
Fish mains were pistachio and herb-crusted tuna which was accompanied by courgette and carrot spaghetti, edamame beans and a Mirin dressing. Or you could have a baked whole sea bream with broad beans and peas. The roasted fillet of sea bass came with Jersey Royals and asparagus. They also had a curried monkfish with pappardelle and sautéed cauliflower. Or you could try the pan-fried swordfish or giant tiger prawns. Wow, lucky fish eaters. Meat and bird-wise it was a Chinese style maple and chilli glazed duck breast with noodles. Or roasted chicken breast with mash and braised leeks. Other options were pan-fried venison loin, lamb chops with mash, fillet of beef and lamb rump.
Swordfish Main
Save room for dessert which included lemon meringue pie, vanilla panna cotta, warm pecan tart, blood orange crème Brulee, chocolate fondant or polenta and honey cake. We tried the lemon meringue, the panna cotta and a bread and butter pudding from the Fixed Menu, all delicious! Drinks-wise, you can enjoy a cocktail at the bar while you wait for your guests to arrive. The wine list is extensive, including varieties from France, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America and more.
Panna Cotta Dessert
The Fixed Menu offers two courses for £15.50 and three for £19 from 5.45 pm until 6.30 pm, but you need to vacate the table by 7.30 pm. It is also available all evening on Monday and Tuesday. This is a great value and an excellent introduction to this restaurant, so book now!
Fredericks Restaurant Islington Interiors
The restaurant is located along the cobbled street of Camden Passage which is a short walk from Angel tube station. Here you’ll find plenty of antique shops and little boutiques to explore. From the exterior, Frederick’s building is very deceiving. It has a very quaint, old fashioned appearance and looks as though it would be quite small and dark inside. But you will be in for a massive surprise because the restaurant is huge. At the front, you have a small plush bar. Continue through into a lovely dining area and beyond that is a light and airy garden room. This looks out onto an idyllic courtyard and patio with more tables. With bare and white painted brick walls dressed with contemporary art by Peter Kalkhof, it’s a spacious and modern interior.
Interiors
The venue has several rooms available for hire. The Club Room seats just over 40 people or up to 60 standing. This is kitted out with technology so ideal for a presentation or business meeting. It has a private terrace and overlooks the garden. The Clarence Room is located on the first floor and can accommodate 30 seated or 40 standing. The Garden Room is lovely and set under a Victorian glass roof overlooking a secluded garden. It can seat 70 or 100 standing, or you can book the full restaurant which seats up to 140 or 250 standing.
Fredericks Restaurant Islington Information
Restaurant Exterior
Cuisine: Modern European
Price: Fixed Menu is £15.50 for two courses and £19 for three. Al La Carte starters £7.50-13, mains £20-32 and desserts £7
Website: Fredericks
Address: 106 Camden Passage, London N1 8EG
Near: Short walk from Angel Tube Station and close to the famous Upper Street
Open: Check the website for current opening times
Wi-Fi: Yes, but don’t annoy the other diners
Décor: Contemporary
Seating: Bar area, dining room and additional rooms which you can hire
Toilets: Downstairs if you are in the restaurant section
Reservations: Advisable
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London and an interiors photograph from Frederick’s website. Thanks: Dining companions Louise and Wolfie.
